Is it something you’re thinking about doing, or are you already assisting Japanese language learners? This is an extraordinary and rewarding career choice, as I can attest from my nearly 40 years of teaching English in Japan. Opportunities for professional and personal development abound in Japan, regardless of your level of experience as a teacher.
The Joys and Challenges of Teaching English in Japan
There are advantages and disadvantages to teaching English to Japanese students. The students are a major highlight of teaching in Japan for a lot of us. Their desire to learn is real, and they are very driven. Another educator put it like way: “I learned a lot more from my students than I taught.” Their commitment to being fluent in English brings depth and purpose to each class.
But there are certain difficulties to teaching in Japan. Because conventional Japanese education places such a premium on reading comprehension and grammar, students of the language sometimes find it difficult to grasp the more pragmatic aspects of English speaking. However, your ability to assist them realize their full speaking potential will be much appreciated because of their hunger for growth. One of the most fulfilling aspects of teaching in Japan is witnessing a student’s progress toward fluency and self-assurance.
The Reality of English Education in Japan
There is still a heavy emphasis on test-based learning in Japan’s English education, despite the many improvements. Despite having a firm grasp of grammar, many students struggle when it comes to communicating in everyday situations. This divide is something you, as a teacher, should be working to close. As a teacher, you’ll help students develop their critical thinking skills, inspire them to practice public speaking and listening, and equip them to handle real-life circumstances with poise and self-assurance.
I discuss my experiences in this distinct educational setting in my book, How to Teach English to Students of English in Japan. I have witnessed the good and the bad in the field of English conversation instruction over the course of over four decades. Even for pupils who have never studied abroad, I have devised tried-and-true strategies for enhancing their conversational abilities.
What Makes Teaching in Japan Special?
Living and working in Japan is truly an incredible experience. The ease of transportation is one of the first things that visitors will note, regardless of their level of Japanese proficiency. You can confidently stroll home in the middle of the night in this country. Educators frequently reflect on the similarities and differences between Japan and their own countries.
Some educators even go so far as to say that their students treat them like celebrities. “Sometimes I was treated like a superstar” (because they wanted to learn English so badly), according to one educator. Teaching Japanese is an incredibly rewarding experience because of the unparalleled respect and gratitude that students have toward their instructors.
Introducing My Book: Your Guide to Teaching English in Japan
My book, How to Teach English to Japanese Students of English, is a great resource for anyone thinking about or currently working as an English teacher in Japan, or for anyone looking to improve their current abilities in the subject. This book is jam-packed with cultural insights and practical tactics that I’ve gathered from my years of teaching to help you be a successful educator.
Whether you’re teaching beginners or advanced learners, this guide will show you how to:
- Engage students with culturally sensitive teaching techniques.
- Plan lessons that keep students motivated and eager to learn.
- Overcome common challenges Japanese students face when learning English.
- Use real-life examples of classroom activities that work for different proficiency levels.
To be a successful English teacher in Japan, you are not required to have studied overseas. You don’t need to leave the nation to become a successful teacher and fluent speaker; I’m living proof of it. Along with the skills I’ve learnt, I recount my personal adventure of learning English totally within Japan in this book.
Why This Book is a Must-Have for English Teachers in Japan
In addition to discussing various approaches to the classroom, the book delves deeply into the specific difficulties of teaching English in Japan. In this article, you will discover practical advice for developing an engaging and helpful learning environment for Japanese language learners, as well as insights into the cultural variations that impact their approach to language acquisition.
Here’s what you can expect from the book:
- Proven teaching strategies that resonate with Japanese learners.
- Techniques for improving students’ listening, grammar, and speaking skills.
- Real-world examples of classroom activities that engage students at every level.
- Insights into my personal journey of mastering English within Japan, without ever living overseas.
This book will captivate anyone interested in Japanese English language teaching or who is prepared to take their teaching career to the next level. If you want to be an effective teacher and have a positive influence on your pupils’ lives, this is for you.
If you are an English teacher in Japan or are thinking about moving there, now is the perfect moment to hone your craft and form genuine relationships with your students. You may find my book on Amazon right now; I hope it will be helpful to you as a teacher. Join me in assisting additional Japanese language learners in experiencing the joy of natural English speech!
Visit Amazon now to purchase a copy of How to Teach English to Students of English from Japan.
